Indicator

Definition

A device or sign that provides information or evidence about the state or condition of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtər/
• Respelling: IN-di-kay-ter (with "IN" as in "tin," "di" as in "sit," "kay" as in "say," and "ter" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtə/
• Respelling: IN-di-kay-tuh (with "IN" as in "tin," "di" as in "sit," "kay" as in "say," and "tuh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "indicator" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "ter" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "tuh" sound. The articulation focuses on "IN-di-kay-ter" (American) and "IN-di-kay-tuh" (British).

Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb "indicare" meaning "to point out or to show", with the suffix '-tor' denoting a person or thing that does an action or creates a particular effect.

Derivatives

• Indicate (verb)
• Indicative (adjective)
• Indication (noun)
• Indicator species (noun)
• Indicating (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Gauge
• Pointer
• Signal

Antonyms

None

Usage

"Indicator" is commonly used in various fields such as economics, science, and technology to refer to a measurement or value that shows the state or level of something.

Related Terms

• Measure
• Sign
• Marker
• Symptom
• Barometer

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Indicator (Noun, General): Something that provides a sign or signal of a situation, condition, or trend.
  • Example: "The rising employment rate is a strong economic indicator."

• Indicator (Noun, Chemistry): A substance that changes color to indicate the presence of a particular compound or type of compound.
  • Example: "Litmus paper is a common acid-base indicator."

• Indicator (Noun, Automobile): A device on a vehicle that signals the direction in which it is about to turn.
  • Example: "He forgot to turn on the right indicator before changing lanes."

Note: The term "indicator" has specific meanings in different contexts, such as chemistry where it denotes substances that show a visual change under specific conditions.